Topic: Nature
EDC to offer free Tree Worker Basics Course on Orcas Island
Written on September 22, 2021 at 10:10 am, by Tim Dustrude
People who want to make a living working with trees or forests are invited to a free, hands-on, outdoor course offered by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County (EDC). The course will be taught by Carson Sprenger, proprietor of Rain Shadow Consulting at their Orcas Island facilities, Saturdays Oct. 30th – Nov. 20th, Continue Reading
Madrona Institute Awards Stewardship Grants
Written on September 18, 2021 at 9:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Madrona Institute has awarded $22,500 in grants to local nonprofit organizations in its first year of grant making based on revenues received from sales of the San Juan Islands Special License Plate. This year’s grantees include: San Juan Islands Conservation District for their San Juan Islands Youth Conservation Corps ($6,000), Friends of the San Continue Reading
San Juan County Land Bank September 2021 Meeting & Agenda
Written on September 15, 2021 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting on September 17, from 8:30am-11:15am via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click HERE to download the agenda (includes ZOOM link) and meeting materials. To learn more about your Conservation Land Bank, visit sjclandbank.org. If you’re interested in volunteering and/or joining our Continue Reading
Monument Advisory Committee to meet virtually next week
Written on September 11, 2021 at 5:39 am, by Tim Dustrude
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), today, announced it will hold a meeting of the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The public is welcome to attend the meeting which will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 14, via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Planned agenda items at the meeting Continue Reading
Camas Club Sprouts a New Website for Island Backyard Restorationists
Written on September 9, 2021 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The recently formed Camas Club launches a website https://camas.club created for and by islanders to connect with other backyard habitat enthusiasts. It is a place where native habitat aficionados can ask questions, share resources, organize seed swaps, and more. By exchanging information about aspects such as restoration techniques, lessons learned, trusted sources of native plant Continue Reading
Tree protections? Planning for growth? Your help is needed by Sept 14!
Written on September 9, 2021 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following article is shared with you by R. Brent Lyles, Executive Director, Friends of the San Juans It’s time to spring into action! On the morning of Tuesday, September 14th, the County Council will hold a hearing on the 2021 docket. This year’s docket includes proposals for new tree-protection standards, stormwater-management standards, and doing Continue Reading
Islands’ Oil Spill Association Offering Spill Response Training This Fall
Written on September 8, 2021 at 4:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) is offering free oil spill response training for interested islanders in October. Sessions will be held on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island. This half-day hands-on training is intended to give both new and existing volunteers an introduction to basic response strategies and provide a general overview of the Continue Reading
Thor Hanson Book Launch
Written on September 7, 2021 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change by Thor Hanson There is always reason to celebrate the release of a new book by San Juan Island biologist and author, Thor Hanson. If you’ve read Feathers, Seeds, and Buzz, and sat enthralled at one of Thor Hanson’s lively and informative Continue Reading
The Salish Seeds Project 2021 Fall Native Wildflower Sale
Written on August 30, 2021 at 9:29 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Salish Seeds Project’s popular, twice-annual wildflower sale is happening soon. Reserve plants online September 10 – 17, and pick them up on Saturday, October 2 at locations on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands. All plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Project, a joint program of the San Juan County Land Bank Continue Reading
Boaters Play Critical Role in Protecting Endangered Whales
Written on August 24, 2021 at 4:01 pm, by Tim Dustrude
FRIDAY HARBOR, WA. – Labor Day weekend is approaching, the last hurrah for many summer boaters before buckling down for the fall. As scores of vessels take to local waterways over the holiday, it’s an important time to stay vigilant and keep safe on the water. San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship calls on Continue Reading
Artist Celebrates San Juan Island Beaches with “The Jeweled Shore” Exhibition at Friday Harbor Atelier
Written on August 23, 2021 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Artist Shannon Borg – with guest artists Julia Wayne and Wendy Smith – presents an art installation of paintings, fiber art, jewelry and more, with an outdoor reception on Friday, August 27, 4:00 – 7:00pm “Our island beaches are powerful, mysterious, and beautiful places, where we go to reflect, celebrate, and heal,” says Shannon. Continue Reading
San Juan County Land Bank August 2021 Meeting & Agenda
Written on August 19, 2021 at 5:38 am, by Tim Dustrude
Signs of wildlife were on high display during this month’s easement monitoring. Low tide provided a good look at some gooseneck barnacles that remained healthy despite the recent heat. The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting on August 20, from 8:30am-11:15am via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click Continue Reading
Trail Times: Summer, 2021 – Zylstra Lake Trail
Written on August 18, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
Trail Times is a continuing series of articles introducing the Old Military Road Trail (OMRT), a proposed 18-21 mile cross-island non-motorized multi-use trail linking English Camp and American Camp and honoring the original Old Military Road. As the summer’s heat wanes, here’s a fun easy hike to get you out there. This approximately mile-and-a-half long Continue Reading
Birdwatching at the Sculpture Park
Written on August 16, 2021 at 9:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
This Wednesday, August 18th, you’re invited to join Phil Green at the San Juan Island’s Sculpture Park for a morning of birdwatching, from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Dress appropriately and don’t forget your binoculars!
Zylstra Lake Preserve Closed for Maintenance
Written on August 6, 2021 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Please excuse our dust while your Conservation Land Bank completes maintenance on the Zylstra Lake Preserve dam. Friday, August 5th, the Preserve will be closed to public access to complete a siphon installation.
Share Stories about San Juans Fishing for Conservation Project
Written on July 24, 2021 at 8:59 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Environmental Stewardship Department San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department wants to hear and share your fishing stories. We are collaborating with an organization called Salmon Nation that recognizes the fight for wild salmon is about much more than fish — it’s about culture, livelihoods and the viability of our natural and Continue Reading
Join Virtual Seadoc Event to Learn about Organization’s Successes
Written on July 20, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From SeaDoc Society Bottoms Up will be a virtual one-hour event at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9. Join us for an evening of science, education, storytelling and, most of all, fun. We’ll look back on a unique but incredibly productive year for SeaDoc Society from the seafloor to the surface. Don’t miss the journey! Registration is Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Labs Presents Marine Heatwave Lecture at Brickworks
Written on July 18, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From Friday Harbor Labs Friday Harbor Labs is excited to welcome Dr. Gretchen Hofmann from the University of California, Santa Barbara, our 2021 Illg Distinguished Lecturer at Brickworks at 7 p.m. Aug. 4. The title of the lecture is “Marine heatwaves: what are we learning, what we can expect, and some talk about Hot Moms Continue Reading
Birdwatching at the Sculpture Park
Written on July 17, 2021 at 5:39 am, by Tim Dustrude
To all bird watchers – Please join us at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park this coming Wednesday, July 21st at 8:00 AM, where Phil Green, will again lead our monthly Bird Walk. So far over 30 species have been identified. Bring binoculars and mosquito repellent. The park is located just past the Welcome Arch Continue Reading
Zylstra Lake Preserve | Algal Blooms May Prevent Swimming
Written on July 17, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
By Doug McCutchen, Preserve Steward, San Juan County Land Bank This is the first in a series of articles describing the background of Zylstra Lake Preserve and the work that is going on to develop a long-term stewardship and management plan for the property. This article focuses on recreational access to the reservoir. Zylstra Lake Continue Reading
State Recreation and Conservation Office Seeks Virtual Volunteers
Written on July 16, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office is recruiting 45 volunteers to fill positions on advisory committees that help determine how the state invests in the outdoors. The 18 committees evaluate grant proposals for parks, trails, boating amenities, firearm and archery ranges and other outdoor recreation facilities. Continue Reading
Join Virtual Land Bank Meeting Friday
Written on July 14, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan County Land Bank The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting from 8:30-11:15 a.m., July 16 via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click here to download the agenda, Zoom link and meeting materials. To learn more about the San Juan County Land Bank, visit sjclandbank.org. Continue Reading
EDC to offer free Tree Worker Basics Course on Orcas Island
Written on September 22, 2021 at 10:10 am, by Tim Dustrude
People who want to make a living working with trees or forests are invited to a free, hands-on, outdoor course offered by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County (EDC). The course will be taught by Carson Sprenger, proprietor of Rain Shadow Consulting at their Orcas Island facilities, Saturdays Oct. 30th – Nov. 20th, Continue Reading
Madrona Institute Awards Stewardship Grants
Written on September 18, 2021 at 9:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Madrona Institute has awarded $22,500 in grants to local nonprofit organizations in its first year of grant making based on revenues received from sales of the San Juan Islands Special License Plate. This year’s grantees include: San Juan Islands Conservation District for their San Juan Islands Youth Conservation Corps ($6,000), Friends of the San Continue Reading
San Juan County Land Bank September 2021 Meeting & Agenda
Written on September 15, 2021 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting on September 17, from 8:30am-11:15am via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click HERE to download the agenda (includes ZOOM link) and meeting materials. To learn more about your Conservation Land Bank, visit sjclandbank.org. If you’re interested in volunteering and/or joining our Continue Reading
Monument Advisory Committee to meet virtually next week
Written on September 11, 2021 at 5:39 am, by Tim Dustrude
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), today, announced it will hold a meeting of the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The public is welcome to attend the meeting which will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 14, via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Planned agenda items at the meeting Continue Reading
Camas Club Sprouts a New Website for Island Backyard Restorationists
Written on September 9, 2021 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The recently formed Camas Club launches a website https://camas.club created for and by islanders to connect with other backyard habitat enthusiasts. It is a place where native habitat aficionados can ask questions, share resources, organize seed swaps, and more. By exchanging information about aspects such as restoration techniques, lessons learned, trusted sources of native plant Continue Reading
Tree protections? Planning for growth? Your help is needed by Sept 14!
Written on September 9, 2021 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following article is shared with you by R. Brent Lyles, Executive Director, Friends of the San Juans It’s time to spring into action! On the morning of Tuesday, September 14th, the County Council will hold a hearing on the 2021 docket. This year’s docket includes proposals for new tree-protection standards, stormwater-management standards, and doing Continue Reading
Islands’ Oil Spill Association Offering Spill Response Training This Fall
Written on September 8, 2021 at 4:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) is offering free oil spill response training for interested islanders in October. Sessions will be held on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island. This half-day hands-on training is intended to give both new and existing volunteers an introduction to basic response strategies and provide a general overview of the Continue Reading
Thor Hanson Book Launch
Written on September 7, 2021 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change by Thor Hanson There is always reason to celebrate the release of a new book by San Juan Island biologist and author, Thor Hanson. If you’ve read Feathers, Seeds, and Buzz, and sat enthralled at one of Thor Hanson’s lively and informative Continue Reading
The Salish Seeds Project 2021 Fall Native Wildflower Sale
Written on August 30, 2021 at 9:29 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Salish Seeds Project’s popular, twice-annual wildflower sale is happening soon. Reserve plants online September 10 – 17, and pick them up on Saturday, October 2 at locations on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands. All plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Project, a joint program of the San Juan County Land Bank Continue Reading
Boaters Play Critical Role in Protecting Endangered Whales
Written on August 24, 2021 at 4:01 pm, by Tim Dustrude
FRIDAY HARBOR, WA. – Labor Day weekend is approaching, the last hurrah for many summer boaters before buckling down for the fall. As scores of vessels take to local waterways over the holiday, it’s an important time to stay vigilant and keep safe on the water. San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship calls on Continue Reading
Artist Celebrates San Juan Island Beaches with “The Jeweled Shore” Exhibition at Friday Harbor Atelier
Written on August 23, 2021 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Artist Shannon Borg – with guest artists Julia Wayne and Wendy Smith – presents an art installation of paintings, fiber art, jewelry and more, with an outdoor reception on Friday, August 27, 4:00 – 7:00pm “Our island beaches are powerful, mysterious, and beautiful places, where we go to reflect, celebrate, and heal,” says Shannon. Continue Reading
San Juan County Land Bank August 2021 Meeting & Agenda
Written on August 19, 2021 at 5:38 am, by Tim Dustrude
Signs of wildlife were on high display during this month’s easement monitoring. Low tide provided a good look at some gooseneck barnacles that remained healthy despite the recent heat. The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting on August 20, from 8:30am-11:15am via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click Continue Reading
Trail Times: Summer, 2021 – Zylstra Lake Trail
Written on August 18, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
Trail Times is a continuing series of articles introducing the Old Military Road Trail (OMRT), a proposed 18-21 mile cross-island non-motorized multi-use trail linking English Camp and American Camp and honoring the original Old Military Road. As the summer’s heat wanes, here’s a fun easy hike to get you out there. This approximately mile-and-a-half long Continue Reading
Birdwatching at the Sculpture Park
Written on August 16, 2021 at 9:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
This Wednesday, August 18th, you’re invited to join Phil Green at the San Juan Island’s Sculpture Park for a morning of birdwatching, from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Dress appropriately and don’t forget your binoculars!
Zylstra Lake Preserve Closed for Maintenance
Written on August 6, 2021 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
Please excuse our dust while your Conservation Land Bank completes maintenance on the Zylstra Lake Preserve dam. Friday, August 5th, the Preserve will be closed to public access to complete a siphon installation.
Share Stories about San Juans Fishing for Conservation Project
Written on July 24, 2021 at 8:59 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Environmental Stewardship Department San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department wants to hear and share your fishing stories. We are collaborating with an organization called Salmon Nation that recognizes the fight for wild salmon is about much more than fish — it’s about culture, livelihoods and the viability of our natural and Continue Reading
Join Virtual Seadoc Event to Learn about Organization’s Successes
Written on July 20, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From SeaDoc Society Bottoms Up will be a virtual one-hour event at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9. Join us for an evening of science, education, storytelling and, most of all, fun. We’ll look back on a unique but incredibly productive year for SeaDoc Society from the seafloor to the surface. Don’t miss the journey! Registration is Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Labs Presents Marine Heatwave Lecture at Brickworks
Written on July 18, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From Friday Harbor Labs Friday Harbor Labs is excited to welcome Dr. Gretchen Hofmann from the University of California, Santa Barbara, our 2021 Illg Distinguished Lecturer at Brickworks at 7 p.m. Aug. 4. The title of the lecture is “Marine heatwaves: what are we learning, what we can expect, and some talk about Hot Moms Continue Reading
Birdwatching at the Sculpture Park
Written on July 17, 2021 at 5:39 am, by Tim Dustrude
To all bird watchers – Please join us at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park this coming Wednesday, July 21st at 8:00 AM, where Phil Green, will again lead our monthly Bird Walk. So far over 30 species have been identified. Bring binoculars and mosquito repellent. The park is located just past the Welcome Arch Continue Reading
Zylstra Lake Preserve | Algal Blooms May Prevent Swimming
Written on July 17, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
By Doug McCutchen, Preserve Steward, San Juan County Land Bank This is the first in a series of articles describing the background of Zylstra Lake Preserve and the work that is going on to develop a long-term stewardship and management plan for the property. This article focuses on recreational access to the reservoir. Zylstra Lake Continue Reading
State Recreation and Conservation Office Seeks Virtual Volunteers
Written on July 16, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office is recruiting 45 volunteers to fill positions on advisory committees that help determine how the state invests in the outdoors. The 18 committees evaluate grant proposals for parks, trails, boating amenities, firearm and archery ranges and other outdoor recreation facilities. Continue Reading
Join Virtual Land Bank Meeting Friday
Written on July 14, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan County Land Bank The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting from 8:30-11:15 a.m., July 16 via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. Click here to download the agenda, Zoom link and meeting materials. To learn more about the San Juan County Land Bank, visit sjclandbank.org. Continue Reading